The Indian Air Force has announced AFCAT 02/2026, NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry for courses scheduled to commence in July 2027. Applications are open for both men and women candidates seeking entry into the Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches, including Technical and Non-Technical streams.The notification was released on May 20, 2026, and the online registration process began on the same day. As per the extended schedule, the last date to submit applications is today, June 21, 2026. Eligible candidates can complete the application process through the official AFCAT portal.Recruitment covers multiple entry schemesThe recruitment drive includes AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry. Appointments will be offered under both Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission categories, depending on the branch and entry route.According to the notification, a total of 379 vacancies have been announced. Selected candidates will join courses commencing in July 2027. The recruitment is being conducted for the Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical Branch and Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch.The pay scale for officers is Level-10, ranging from Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500.Eligibility and age criteriaCandidates applying for the Flying Branch must be between 20 and 24 years of age. For Ground Duty Technical and Ground Duty Non-Technical branches, the prescribed age limit is 20 to 26 years.The cut-off date for determining age eligibility is July 1, 2027. Age relaxation, wherever applicable, will be provided in accordance with the rules specified in the notification.For educational qualifications, candidates applying through AFCAT must possess a graduate degree or a degree in the relevant discipline. Applicants for Technical Branch posts are required to hold a B.Tech qualification in the relevant field.Application fee and selection stagesCandidates applying through AFCAT Entry are required to pay an application fee of Rs. 550 plus GST. No application fee has been prescribed for NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates.The selection process consists of a written examination, followed by the Air Force Selection Board assessment, document verification and a medical examination. The notification states that recruitment will be conducted strictly on the basis of fairness and merit.Candidates appearing before the Air Force Selection Board for the first time will be eligible for travel allowance in accordance with the provisions mentioned in the official notification.
